Assistance for Single Moms in South Dakota

Single moms can receive help and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of South Dakota. Assistance programs aid with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
While they work to regain financial independence, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will help low-income single moms in South Dakota buy the food they need to stay healthy. The size and income of a household will determine the amount of benefits it receives while these benefits are provided only to supplement the recipient’s food budget. A plastic debit card is provided to SNAP recipients instead of paper coupons. The program operates under the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If you have further questions about eligibility or benefits call 877-999-5612.

South Dakota Child and Adult Care Food Program
Provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides federal funding to child care centers making it possible for them to offer nutritious meals to children each day. You must have child(ren) enrolled at a participating home or center and be a resident of the state of South Dakota to qualify for this benefit program. Contact the Child and Adult Nutrition Services office at 605-773-3413 for more information.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Funding is provided to schools so that they can offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day by the School Breakfast Program. By providing nutritious school meals every day, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children by providing funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch. You must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under) and a resident of the state to be eligible for this program.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools and healthcare institutions who do not participate in other Federal meal service programs can receive milk from the Special Milk Program (SMP), reimbursing schools for the milk they serve. Children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten program where children do not have access to meal programs can also get milk if their schools belong to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and participate in the SMP. Any child belonging to a school that participates in the program can get milk. For further questions call 605-773-3413.

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the South Dakota Department of Health, WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program destine for eligible single moms, infants and children. The health and well-being of nutritionally at risk women, infants and young children is what the WIC program aims to promote. For more information on eligibility call 605-773-3361.

South Dakota Summer Food Service
Free, nutritious meals and snakes are given out to children in low-income areas by the Summer Food Service during summertime. Children and youth aged 18 and under are all eligible to receive free meals as long as they present themselves to an approved food service site. In order to receive the benefits of this program you must also be a resident of South Dakota. For information about participating in the Summer Food Service Program call 605-773-3413.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The South Dakota Department of Social Services and Department of Labor administers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a temporary public assistance program. By promoting family responsibility and accountability and encouraging self-sufficiency through work, the primary focus of the program is to help families move from welfare to work. Families with serious financial needs may qualify for TANF monthly cash payments, in addition to help finding work. 605-773-4678 for more information regarding eligibility and benefits.

South Dakota Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

South Dakota Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Rental assistance in the form of monthly subsidies or vouchers can be provided to low income single moms with the help of this program. On behalf of the federal government and U.S. Housing and Urban Development department a number of non-profit agencies and public housing authorities administer this program. The elderly and low income families with children is where most of the support from this program goes to. 800-955-2232 for more information on this assistance program.

Credit Repair, Debt Reduction and Financial Assistance
Single moms can get help to pay and reduce debts, be offered housing counseling, and be administered general budgeting and financial advice from a number of non-profit organizations across the state of South Dakota. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Case Management and Financial Aid
The Salvation Army, one of the nation’s leading charities, has centers throughout the whole of South Dakota. Low income single moms can use the resources offered by this charity to pay their bills, housing, and address other basic needs.

Medicaid
The Medicaid program is administered by the Department of Social Services’ Division of Economic assistance and it offers help to low income single moms, families and children pay for the necessary medical expenses individuals need to stay healthy. Hospital stays, prescriptions, doctor visits, nursing home care and other health care needs are included in these expenses. For more information on Medicaid eligibility call 605-773-4678.

South Dakota Medical Assistance for Low Income Families (LIF) Program
Families (with or without private health insurance) with a low income can receive full medical assistance coverage in South Dakota from the Medical Assistance for Low-Income Families (LIF) program. Doctor appointments, hospital stays, prescription drugs, rehab/therapy, dental and vision services, chiropractic, and other similar services is what this Medicaid funded program can provided. 800-305-3064 for more information on eligibility requirements for this program.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
South Dakota Children can receive free health insurance from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as long as they meet certain eligibility guidelines. Doctor’s appointments, dental and vision services, hospital stay, prescription drugs, mental health care and other medical services are covered by the program. Health insurance coverage is provided by CHIP to uninsured children whose family income is up to 200% of the Federal poverty level. For more information call 800-305-3064.

Legal Assistance
Providing residents and single mothers with free legal aid, the state of South Dakota offers access to lawyers and non-profit law firms. Pro-bono legal assistance for civil matters is also offered. 605-791-4147 to contact the South Dakota Pro Bono Access to Justice Program.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through Unemployment Insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in South Dakota during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. To speak to a representative about this program call 605-626-2452.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Low income South Dakota single moms can get financial assistance to pay their home heating bills from the South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Single Moms who would otherwise be unable to pay the cost of their home heating are targeted by the program yet energy assistance does not pay the full cost of a family’s home heating. In order to be found eligible for this program a single mom household must apply providing proof of income and heating costs. Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services-Office of Energy assistance for more information at 800-233-8503.